Bonnyrigg Stay Top With Workmanlike Performance 

Bonnyrigg Rose earned three points against a solid Broughty Athletic side who made it difficult for the league leaders in a tough encounter. There was little doubt as to who would eventually prevail but Broughty kept going right to the end. It was a game in which Rose never scaled the heights of earlier performances this season but their solid defence ensured they had few worrying moments. 

This match was switched from Whitton Park in the Ferry to New Dundas Park ,Bonnyrigg when it became clear that the former might not be playable after the recent poor weather.

Broughty Athletic have not seem much action recently in the McBookie.com East Super League not having played a league fixture since November and having had only one fixture in the GA Engineering Cup in the interim period. They sit near the foot of the league and are in need of points to secure their top league status.

Bonnyrigg Rose are going strongly on all fronts and their latest outing last Saturday was a fairly straightforward victory over another Tayside team, Lochee United,in the fourth round of the Scottish Junior Cup. They sit on top of the Super League on goal difference and a win was crucial if they were to keep their championship challenge on track. 

Bonnyrigg created the first chance of the game but McIntosh's weak shot was easily fielded by Ross in the away goal.

The game started very slowly and the next real goal action came after ten minutes and it  saw Archibald nearly hit the corner flag with his effort from range. After fifteen minutes, good interplay between Horne and Archibald saw the latter fire well over from a good position - although he was judged offside. 

Half way through the half Hoskins had a shot and when the ball fell to Archibald again he shot over. 

Rose were dealt a blow after twenty five minutes when Archibald pulled up and was replaced by Kidd.  

Almost immediately Athletic created a great chance. A long throw from the left into the box saw Andrews flap under pressure. The ball fell to Lunan and only a great block by Moyes prevented a possible opening goal. A minute later, another long throw from the other side created a chance for Lawson but he fired wide. 

After thirty three minutes,  a great cross into the box gave substitute Kidd a chance but he missed his kick.  

Nevertheless Rose were starting to gain the upper hand and Ross did well to hold a Donaldson cross. 

With five minutes to the break, the tireless McGachie did well to play in McIntosh - but again he blasted over ! Just before the break Kidd's cross set up Nelson from the right. However, Nelson side footed his effort and it was easily gathered by Ross. 

Half Time Bonnyrigg Rose 0; Broughty Athletic 0

Neither side made a change at the break. 

Broughty created a real chance just after the turnaround but Lawson's effort was well blocked. 

Rose were the dominant team and with 51 minutes on the clock MCINTOSH showed quick feet in the box, created some space for himself and fired home. 

Broughty reacted well to this reverse winning a corner and then from a second corner won in quick succession, Cameron's cross gave Myles a half chance with a header. 

However, Rose always looked the more likely and Turner fired a shot wide and when  the dangerous McIntosh was fouled in the box by Smart - referee Simon McLean had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. HOSKINS stepped forward and gave Ross no chance. Fifty eight minutes played and Rose well in control. 

Both sides made substitutions and Drummond made his debut for the home side with ten minutes left. 

Bonnyrigg sealed the points with three minutes remaining with the best football of the match. Hoskins started it off on the left with a positive run before giving the ball to Nelson. The talented midfielder laid the ball into MCGACHIE's path rather than shoot himself and the big striker made no mistake, sending the ball into the far corner. 

This was a good performance by Rose against stubborn opposition and they will be delighted with the win. 

Best for Rose were the entire defence and McIntosh for his goal and winning the penalty. Ross and Smart were best for the visitors. 

Next week Rose are on cup duty - they meet a Tayside club for the third week running when the visit Downfield in the East of Scotland Cup. Broughty are at home to Sauchie Juniors in the Super League 

Full Time Bonnyrigg Rose 3; Broughty Athletic 0 


Teams:
Bonnyrigg Rose

Andrews, Horne, Donalson, Stewart, Moyes, Hoskins, Archibald, Turner, McIntosh, Nelson and McGachie
Subs Brown, Kidd, Drummond, Gray and McLaren

Broughty Athletic 

Ross, McCunnie, Cameron, Smart, Myles, Lunan, McLellan, Winter, Buchan, Little and Lawson Subs Sinclair, Duell, McConnachie, Mair and Lannen

Referee
Simon McLean, assistants Daniel Coleman and Kevin Higgins 


Gordon Baird 

Neutral  Reporter